About
Sucralose is a non-nutritive, synthetic organochlorine sweetener derived from sucrose that is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar. It is widely used in reduced-sugar and sugar-free foods and beverages to provide sweetness without contributing calories or nutritional value.
Safety summary
Regulatory authorities (EFSA, FDA) consider sucralose safe at currently authorised intake levels, with an ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight per day confirmed by EFSA in 2026; current EU consumer exposure remains below this ADI. A 2026 EFSA re-evaluation flagged uncertainty over potential formation of chlorinated compounds when sucralose undergoes prolonged high-temperature processing (e.g., baking, frying), and EFSA recommended the European Commission review domestic cooking scenarios. Some research suggests possible effects on insulin secretion in obese or insulin-sensitive individuals not previously exposed to non-nutritive sweeteners.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Restricted | Approved for currently authorised uses under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with ADI of 15 mg/kg bw/day (confirmed 2026). Explicitly not authorised in foods for young children. Extension of use to fine bakery wares (FC 7.2) could not be confirmed safe due to uncertainty over chlorinated compound formation under wide-ranging baking temperatures and times; the European Commission and Member States are discussing follow-up action.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted artificial sweetener under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additive) Regulations 2011, Appendix A. Food-category-specific use limits apply (e.g., up to 750 ppm in certain beverage categories, up to 1500 ppm in others). ADI aligned with JECFA/Codex. Labeling on all table-top sweetener products must state 'Not Recommended for Children' per FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020.source |
| MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) (Japan) | Approved | Approved via Ministry of Health and Welfare Ordinance No. 75 (July 30, 1999) as a revision to the Enforcement Regulations under the Food Sanitation Law. |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Approved as a food additive under 21 CFR 172.831; first approved in 1998 as a tabletop sweetener and as a general-purpose sweetener in 1999. FDA has concluded it is safe for the general population under approved conditions of use.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Sucralose — Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Section 172.831. accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FDA. High-Intensity Sweeteners — FDA. fda.gov
- 3FDA. Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food. fda.gov
- 4EFSA. Plain language summary of the Re-evaluation of sucralose (E 955) as a food additive, 2026. efsa.europa.eu
- 5EFSA. EFSA finds sucralose safe when used as currently authorised; cannot confirm safety of extending its use, 2026. efsa.europa.eu
- 6EFSA. Re-evaluation of sucralose (E 955) as a food additive and evaluation of a new application on extension of use of sucralose (E 955) in fine bakery wares, 2026. efsa.europa.eu